Regardless of the make and value of your car, you’ve probably heard the phrase: “After all, you’re driving on four tires.” It is an indisputable fact that the tire is vital for driving safety in controlling the car.
Well, have you ever wondered about the science behind the tread patterns in the part of the tire that connects the tire to the road, among many other factors in tire design and production?
What do we expect from a tire?
Today’s car user expects other features besides safety and comfort from a tire. These expectations are that a modern tire produces less vibration and noise, has low rolling resistance and therefore consumes less fuel.
It is impossible for a tire to provide all of these properties at the same time. While one of these features is provided, it is necessary to make concessions from the other. That’s why it’s important to set your priorities.
Why do tires have different patterns?
Different tire patterns actually do more than just an aesthetic look.
While there are snow/winter tyres, off-road tyres, racing tyres, and more, the patterns you see on the tires can be narrowed down to four different designs, each functioning differently and providing different benefits:
1) Asymmetrical Back
It has different patterns on both sides of the tire, each providing its own benefit and function.
These tires are ideal for both dry and slippery driving conditions. One side helps drain water and the other side works to provide optimum grip on dry surfaces.
2) Directional Back
It has V-shaped lateral grooves visible through the center of the tire.
This design is designed to help reduce the risk of aquaplaning. The deeper the gutters, the better they can handle bad weather. Tires with this pattern are ideal for driving in snow and mud.
3) Directional/Asymmetrical Back
These tires are; It combines both features of the directional and asymmetrical tire models to offer the best of both asymmetrical and directional tires in common, including minimal noise, excellent grip and cornering stability, and reduce the risk of aquaplaning.
4) Symmetrical Back
Both halves of these tires have the same tread patterns. They are quieter and have low rolling resistance, which helps reduce fuel consumption. These tires are long lasting and are most commonly found on passenger cars.
The tread pattern is not the only factor affecting tire performance. tread composition, tire contour and tire structure; They combine to provide the overall performance of the tyre, and as a result of the interaction between them, tire performance is determined.